The ice (not the sky) is falling!

A combination of sun and today's wind is causing large chunks of ice to fall off the trees in our yard making it hazardous to partake in any outdoor activities that do not involve playing "dodge the falling ice." The past couple of days the trees have been serenading us with their strange creaks and cracks as they moved their ice-laden branches with the breeze. Today, they are shaking their icy exoskeletons loose and pelting the ground (and our house) with them.

It is an odd sight and sound to see and hear chunks of ice whistling through the air and breaking into hundreds of separate shards upon impact.

Just before I hit the 'post' button on this a large bluejay was either chasing another bird or disoriented due to being hit with falling ice and slammed into the side of our house. He is still in a bush that he flew to after getting off of the ground. He appears to be alright, but it sure looks like he is still disoriented.

Michigan gas prices dipping below $2

Wow! I didn't think we would really see gas for under $2 again, but it's back! Here in White Pigeon the local filling station is selling petrol for $1.98. The current Michigan average is $2.006 per gallon. That is the lowest it has been in over a year.

A quick glance at MichiganGasPrices.com shows the lowest reported price to be $1.79 in Mount Morris at the Marathon station at Dort Hwy and Mount Morris Rd. The highest reported price in Michigan is $2.33 at the Mobil station in Ontonagon on River St.

More stupid Michigan crooks

The Kalamazoo Gazette is reporting a large marijuana bust in Cass County in the wee hours of Sunday morning. The circumstances leading to this large drug bust are what makes me smile. A 60 year old resident of Calvin Township called the sheriff's department to report a home invasion. The armed suspects had bound her hands and feet while pointing a gun at her. The woman's 63 year old boyfriend was found by deputies in a similar fashion out in the barn.

During the course of searching for the suspects a large marijuana growing operation was discovered in another building on the property.

Police found more than 500 growing marijuana plants, a large amount of processed marijuana, a “highly technical” electronic lighting and heating system, and loaded weapons.

The suspects who tied the couple up made off with "valuable items" and cash. Any guesses as to what the "valuable items" were? Note to processors, sellers, and growers of marijuana:

If someone breaks into your home and steals "valuable items" and cash or anything for that matter - remember to weigh the consequences of calling that in to the police.

They call that - police work made easy. :)

Michigan gas prices drop $.19 from last week

Whatever the reason may be, enjoy these low gas prices across Michigan while they last. Today's average price of regular unleaded gas across Michigan is down to $2.053. That is down $.19 from last week's average of $2.24. This is the lowest I have seen gas prices in quite some time. The last time prices were this low was back in late September if I am remembering correctly. One year ago at this time we were paying $2.34 across Michigan.

Gas price data courtesy of AAA's Fuel Gauge Report.

Michigan Historical Museum kicks off the Mackinac Bridge's 50th!

On January 27th the State Historical Museum will begin a year of celebrating the technical marvel that is our Mackinac Bridge. Here is a bit of what you can expect to see at the museum on the 27th -

• Kim Nowack, Mackinac Bridge Authority Engineer, will present a fascinating overview of the 50-year history of the bridge at 11 a.m.
• Build a bridge model! Kids ages 8 to 12 can take part in a build-a-bridge workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The Archives of Michigan will display photographs, drawings and documents that exhibit the history of the construction and opening of the Mackinac Bridge.

Via Michigan.gov

Check out this cool site put together by Keith Stokes - www.mightymac.org He has put together some neat photos of the bridge, straits area lighthouses, Mackinaw City in the winter, and many others.

P.S. - Don't forget to celebrate Michigan Statehood Day on January 26th. On this day in 1837 Michigan officially was welcomed into the Union. Happy 170th!